Personal Highlights:
Passing through the Braulio Carillo rain forest on the way to the coast
Watching the volcanic light show from your hotel balcony in Arenal
Exploring the quaint 19th Century adobe buildings in Liberia
Horseback Riding followed by relaxation in natural hot springs at Rincon

Your Tour

Passing through the Braulio Carillo rain forest on the way to the coast

Watching the volcanic light show from your hotel balcony in Arenal

Exploring the quaint 19th Century adobe buildings in Liberia

Horseback Riding followed by relaxation in natural hot springs at Rincon De La Vieja

Day 1 USA to San Jose

Today you board your flight for the trip south to Costa Rica, a friendly and peaceful country with a large population of American expatriates who appreciate its customs, culture and climate. Upon arrival, your personal guide will meet you and take you the Hotel Finca Rosa Blanca situated on the knoll overlooking the central valley. You are free to walk the grounds or relax in your suite until dinner. Tonight a special four course meal set up around the fireplace has been reserved for you.

Day 2 Braulio Carrillo and Tortuguero

Refreshed by a good night’s sleep, a hearty breakfast will set you up for today’s day of exploration. Your personal travel guide will meet you in the lobby as the hotel’s staff loads your bags into your vehicle. You then head off for the coast which will take most of the morning. Your guide will explain the sights as you pass them and you have the chance to see one of the most impressive rain forests, the Braulio Carillo National Park. You arrive at the docks having passed banana plantations along the way. You board the hotel’s boat and head up the river to the hotel. The name Tortuguero comes from the Spanish word “Tortuga” or turtle. Strong Caribbean currents have provided a long, straight 22 mile expanse of beach which is a favored nesting ground for sea turtles. Hawksbill, Loggerheads and Pacific Green turtles nest from July through October. The Leatherback, the largest sea turtle species in the world nests from February to July. Upon arrival, you are taken to your deluxe bungalow for a chance to freshen up before lunch. After lunch we will take short trip to the village of Tortuguero with its 700 inhabitants. Upon returning to the hotel you enjoy an a la carte dinner by candlelight.

Day 3 Exploring the Tortuguero Canal

Today you will awaken early both by the sounds of the jungle around you coming to life and because this is the best time to explore the small canals that surround the lodge. Sustained by biscuits and coffee you see the jungle from ground level (or canal level) and become part of the environment. Along with you will be Barbara Hartung a noted naturalist and interpreter of the natural environment. Invigorated by her observations and the boxed breakfast thoughtfully prepared for you, you finish your canal exploration and return to the lodge for a brief rest. You then rejoin Barbara for an intriguing walk through the rainforest where both flora and fauna will come alive for you. Upon returning to the lodge, an a la carte lunch fortifies you and you can select your afternoon activities with your personal guide including the option of taking a nap. Tonight you can reminisce about your adventures over another candlelit dinner held on the dock with the flames reflecting in the canal. A sound sleep will surely follow.

Day 4 Journey to the Fire Mountain

After breakfast you reluctantly part from your bungalow for the boat ride to the mainland town of Siquirres where transportation from the hotel will pick you up and deliver you to Roberto’s restaurant in Guapiles for Lunch. Following lunch tour personal guide will be waiting to take you into the land of fire. In 1952, La Fortuna was declared a district of the city of San Carlos but, in 1968, the Arenal Volcano which, until that time had been an inauspicious hill, erupted and buried the community of Pueblo Nuevo killing more then 100 inhabitants. The area was economically decimated but, oddly enough, tourists began to arrive to see the light show of the active volcano. It was not easy to get there but in 1982, the building of a new road eased entry and Arenal became a major tourist center and the most significant source of revenue for the community. You arrive in Arenal in the late afternoon and check into your suite which has two balconies overlooking the volcano ( but at a safe distance) You have the chance to unwind at the hot springs near the hotel before relaxing in your suite and, if lucky, enjoying the spectacle of the lava flow on Arenal.

Day 5 Exploring the Biodiversity at Arenal

After breakfast, a plethora of activities are at your disposal and since they are all half day programs you have two to choose. Do you want to glide through the forest canopy on a wire trolley? How about a canoe excursion on Lake Arenal or hiking in the National Park? Test your vertigo on the hanging bridges or try horseback riding to the waterfall at La Fortuna. You can choose any of these or you can choose one or none and spend time at the pool. This evening you dine at the best steak house in the area.

Day 6 Onward to the “White City”

Today your personal guide will be waiting to take you to the country’s Pacific Coast and the province of Guanacaste, a cradle of rich traditions and folklore and home of the most beautiful beaches on the Pacific Coast. On your way you will stop in Liberia and experience the charm of this historical capital of Guanacaste and referred to as the White City for its many surviving 19th Century adobe buildings with their white lime coating. You have the chance to explore the town and enjoy lunch before driving north to Guanacaste. Your resort is secluded in the picturesque outskirts of the Rincon de La Vieja Volcano.

Day 7 At Leisure at Rincon de la Vieja

Once again you have a multitude of activities to choose from. One recommended day might include horseback riding to the waterfalls followed by an al fresco picnic of wine and fruit. After lunch you may wish to relax in the natural hot springs or use the volcano’s natural heat as part of the steam room treatment. Regardless of the activity (or lack thereof) you will be well primed for tonight’s meal which, weather permitting, will be held on a platform in the middle of the forest.

Day 8 Return to San Jose

After breakfast your personal guide will take you into San Jose where you have lunch. After lunch you are free to spend some time downtown for shopping or sightseeing. In the evening you will return to the city for a celebratory dinner.Day 9 Return to USA

After breakfast you are met by your personal guide and taken to the airport where you are invited to our VIP lounge in anticipation of your return to the US.

Tour Location / Places Visiteds

Additional Pricing Information

Services Included

Transfers and sightseeing by private helicopter or aircraft as indicated on the itinerary

Superior Rooms at the properties indicated in the accommodations area (We reserve the right to substitute a property of equal quality in advance of departure should the designated hotel be unavailable)

Private Transfers to and from the airport at destination

All meals as indicated on the itinerary by B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner

Entrance fees to all museums, attractions and other venues as indicated on the daily itinerary

Private guides for city explorations and private driver/guide while traveling.

Baggage handling at all hotels and camps

All applicable taxes and service fees

Services Not Included

International airfare (round-trip from hometown departure gateway to destination)

Beverages with included meals (unless otherwise indicated on itinerary page)

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